Lakes and Rivers in Lake Tahoe
The Tahoe area is made up of lakes and rivers, all created by the feet (and yards) of snow that pile up over the winter. While the main body of water is Lake Tahoe itself, there are dozens of other lakes around for you to enjoy.
The main river in the Tahoe basin is the Truckee River. This runs from Lake Tahoe, through the mountains into Reno and down to Pyramid Lake in the desert. The Truckee is good for fishing, some swimming, tubing and kayaking.
Some smaller, but popular lakes in the area include Donner Lake, Spooner Lake, Fallen Leaf Lake, Cascade Lake, Echo Lakes and Washoe Lake. These are all within a quick drive of Lake Tahoe and are easily accessible. Other lakes may take a few hours to hike to. These include Marlette Lake on the East Shore and Aloha Lake, Eagle Lake and Susie Lake in Desolation Wilderness.
Several local reservoirs like Stampede and Boca are located near Truckee and are great for fishing and boating.
The main river in the Tahoe basin is the Truckee River. This runs from Lake Tahoe, through the mountains into Reno and down to Pyramid Lake in the desert. The Truckee is good for fishing, some swimming, tubing and kayaking.
Some smaller, but popular lakes in the area include Donner Lake, Spooner Lake, Fallen Leaf Lake, Cascade Lake, Echo Lakes and Washoe Lake. These are all within a quick drive of Lake Tahoe and are easily accessible. Other lakes may take a few hours to hike to. These include Marlette Lake on the East Shore and Aloha Lake, Eagle Lake and Susie Lake in Desolation Wilderness.
Several local reservoirs like Stampede and Boca are located near Truckee and are great for fishing and boating.
Little Truckee River
Hwy 89 North
P.O. Box 95
Little Truckee River is located approximately 13 miles north of Truckee. Fishing pressure is heavy in easy access areas. Where access is difficult, large rainbow trout and a few browns have been reported...
Caples Lake Campground
26820 Silver Drive
Caples Lake Campground is located adjacent to Highway 88, near to Kirkwood. Boating, fishing, swimming and hiking offered...
Kirkwood Lake Campground
26820 Silver Drive
Kirkwood Lake Campground provides close access to Kirkwood Lake. Visitors would be able to participate in activities such as boating, fishing, swimming and picnicking...
Washoe Meadows State Park
P.O. Box 266
7360 West Lake Boulevard
Washoe Meadows State Park occupies 620 acres of meadow and woodland in the valley at the base of the escarpment leading to Echo Summit...
Blue Lake (Lower) Campground
26820 Silver Drive
Big Meadows Campground is located on the southeast shores of Lower Blue Lake. In addition to offering camping facilities, the site provides close access to activities such as boating, fishing, swimming and hiking...
Blue Lake Dam ( Upper ) Campground
26820 Silver Drive
Upper Blue Lake Dam campground is located on the southeast shore of Upper Blue Lake. In addition to offering camping facilities, the site provides close access to activities such as boating, fishing, swimming and hiking...
Desolation Wilderness
3070 Camino Heights Drive
The higher you hike up, the fewer people you will see...
Sugar Pine Reservoir
22830 Foresthill Road
New Bullard Bar Reservoir is locate in the western region of the Tahoe National Forest in the Downieville Ranger District. Sugar Pine Reservoir offers camping at Shirttail Creek and Giant Gap Campgrounds, as well as picnicking at Manzanita Picnic Ground...
More Top Lists
Popular Places
